Ciprofloxacin

This a dangerous medication and only used in emergency. There are lawsuits on it for ruptures of tendons, usually starts in feet and legs but can injure any tendons. It can cause your liver to shut down--take with care. Any side effects should be reported. This medicine made me very sick and some doctors are not informed of this. Take charge of your healthcare.

Just before she was released from the hospital, my 90 year old mother was given Cipro when a catheter resulted in a urinary tract infection. Within days she developed a rash which quickly turned into Stevens Johnson Syndrome. Her entire body was "blood red" and she was returned to the hospital and placed in the burn unit. Over the next month her skin flaked and peeled. Her eyes were affected and she could no longer watch TV, read the paper, etc.

She was originally in the hospital for colon cancer.

My Dr. gave this to me because I had diarrhea for almost 2 weeks, no idea why. They did a complete blood count, which came back normal. So the Dr. said it must have not been caused by a bacterial infection but viral. When I asked if Cipro treats viral infections they said yes. The diarrhea stopped the next day after taking it, but I also took one immodium tablet, so not sure which stopped it. But now I have to finish an entire round of Cipro anyway and when I looked it up online and it says Cipro only treats bacterial. Now I have to finish this very strong antibiotic for no reason? Anyone out there who can help me on this? It is making me feel ill.

A few years ago I went to the doctors for a minor bladder infection. He gave me Cipro.

I was in my 50's and never had a reaction to any meds before. Well let me tell you I turned beet red with welts and a fever for two days until I begged for some cordizone pills which cleared it up within a few hours. Now I watch what they give me. Is Cipro the same as Amoxicillin?

A close friend of mine was given Ciprofloxacin and Heracillin (don't know if it's the same name in the US. I live in Sweden).

This was during the summer of 2004.

He also had a lot of other medications.

I noticed that somehting had happend to him. He seemed confused.

That made me turn to the Internet.

I was surprised at the amount of information that was there.

People who had taken antibiotics of this group - and had bad experiences - told their stories. One after the other. They called themselves "floxies" or said that they had been "floxed".

I found the fantastic site - www.fqresearch.org and www.fqvictims.org and also read the equally interesting book "Bitter Pills" by Stephen Fried.

Please don't use this kind of antibiotic ligthly - should be a last resort.

My mom was given Cipro for a Urinary Tract Infection it ended up not being a urinary tract infection but Gallbladder problems while in the hospital she was given more Cipro. Her Gallbladder was removed and she was still taking Cipro. To make the story short she developed C-Difficile a bacteria infection caused by the Cipro killing all her good microorganism and bad.

This medication is terrible. Within a day and a half (3 doses of 500 mg) I broke out in terrible hives. Huge painful itching welts all over my body. Everywhere from behind my knees, under my arms, my back, thighs, neck, scalp, I am completely covered. This is day 2 after stopping the cipro and I am in even worse pain.

The welts are hot to the touch and feel like a sunburn. They just started itching again and I am about to lose my mind. They didn't warn me of any side effects before giving this to me. I have never been allergic to any medication before. I am miserable and will never let anyone in my family take this medication!! Benadryl sort of helped and allows me to sleep at night, but I have children to care for during the day and am stuck in misery.

I suffer from panic and anxiety attacks and was given cipro for an infection, I took 500 mgs 2 x's a day for 6 days before found out about ALL the adverse effect and I stopped taking it. Is it possible that cipro may have made my anxiety worst and I could never recover from this? I don't feel anymore anxious than I normally do but my depersonalization has increased somewhat.

I suffer from re-occurring Urinary tract infections and have been prescribed the entire gamut of recommended antibiotics (Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, Levofloxacin, Nitrofurantoin, Amoxicillin, etc). Ciprofloxacin has been the only prescription that seems to work thoroughly. While it does have a plethora of adverse side effects, they are all listed. Most people just do not bother to read the precautions. I am very grateful that this drug is available.

I know to many of you this may not seem as big a deal as it is to me. I had two Chinese Shar Pei, one had gotten bitten by a nasty poisonous spider and one had mere skin problems (a yeast infection). Both of my boys were put on Cipro. Some time lapsed but one of my boys started losing an enormous amount of weight. I took him him into the vet and they ran a CBC on him. His kidneys had failed completely. He had been super healthy before this.

Not even a month later same symptoms, weight loss, no appetite, lethargic. I took my second boy in and they ran a CBC on him. The tech came out with a quizzical look on her face. Holding his blood work she said. "Carbon Copy, I wonder what could have caused this" I don't wonder anymore after reading up on this drug. This drug killed two of my Shar Pei there is no doubt in my mind about it. Since that time after contacting a friend of mine I have found out that many Shar Pei have had this same thing happen after a round of Cipro. Please do not let your vet prescribe it for your dog.

I live in Thailand where the pharmacy stores are more lax in dispensing certain drugs. I asked for Amoxicillin and Canesten cream to treat a urinary tract infection. I have used Amoxicillin before with no problems. The pharmacist told me that Cipro was a better product so I chose it over Amoxicillin.

I only took one 500mg tablet two nights ago and within an hour I thought I was going to have to go to the hospital. My symptoms were nausea, dizziness, stomach pain, severe diarrhea, change in vision, restricted breathing, joint pain, tendon stiffness (feet, legs, and arms) and nightmares.

I also noticed the following day that I was sensitive to outdoor light. In my opinion this drug should only be taken under a doctor's supervision. After 2 days from taking only one 500mg tablet I feel a little bit better. I need to know if I am going to feel better enough to take Amoxicillin ?

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT THAT THIS ANTIBIOTIC SHOULD BE TAKEN ONLY UNDER MEDICAL SUPERVISION. THE SYMPTOMS YOU EXPERIENCED ARE NOT COMMON, BUT THEY ARE NOT UNHEARD-OF, EITHER.

I took Cipro for an upper respitory infection and I ended up losing my job because I ended up in the ER with a heart rate of 140. I only took this drug for 2 days.

It was the only thing I was taking. Now I am scared to take just about anything. How am I going to know if the next one will do the same thing? Will the next one give me a heart attack instead of just sending my heart rate up?

I took Cipro 500mg when it was prescribed to me by my Dr for a UTI. 2 hrs after taking it I was in the worst pain ever! My muscles ached a had a fever and had the worst stomach cramps ever,and the back pain felt something like labor for women, I'm sure you know what I'm saying. I went back to Dr she said I think you may have just gotten the flu along with a uti. This made me angry I knew it was from the medication. I WILL NEVER TAKE THIS AGAIN!!!!

Only doctors think this stuff is OK...ear infection never cleared and I'm 4 days away from a liver evaluation to see if I nee a transplant! I don't trust any reading taken while on this stuff and I know it will make them mad...I'm not giving a blood sample as scheduled. It's my liver and my body. ENT visit tomorrow and will certainly bring this all to his attention.

I was prescribed Cipro for gastroenteritis. What I didn't know is the common side-effects include nausea (which I didn't have beforehand), GI distress (which I already had), diarrhea (which I had already), lightheadedness, and fatigue. In other words, I started out pretty sick and now I learn that the medicine made me sicker. The doctor has now cut my dosage in half. Might have helped if he'd asked my weight before prescribing 500mg.

This is one of the antibiotics of choice for bacterial G.I. infections. Patients whose doctors prescribe antibiotics for viral infections need to find another practitioner. My doctor is pretty smart, but the side-effects that made my life miserable have no effect on him. Hopefully, he'll be more judicious in the future.

I was put on Cipro for 5 days for UTI. On day 6 I developed pressure pain in my sinus, head and back of neck. I have slight dizziness and less focused vision.

My blood pressure is normal, a dentist checked my bite and it's fine. The doctor who prescribed it says no patient has had problems.

I have since read several similar stories on the internet.

I had always been very healthy, not on any medication except for Thyroid (armour and T3).

This has been going on for 3 weeks. Please help. Thank you.

JWC, I am having the same symptoms! I went to the ER 2 months ago because I was vomiting, dizzy and a terrible headache. I was scared because I couldn't even stand up without feeling like I was going to pass out. The ER said I was dehydrated and had a UTI and gave me Cipro. I felt better but a few weeks later had the same exact thing. This time I bought Cranberry juice, went to my doctor and they gave me more Cipro. After the third time this happened (last week) I started researching the internet and now suspect it's my gall bladder.

I have a dr. appt and am going to get my liver and gall bladder checked. Maybe that is what you are experiencing too? Please let me know if you have had further tests or have found out what is causing your symptoms.
Thank you, Diane

I have been on cipro 500 mg for a week and I have felt terrible the whole time. It was prescribed for a bladder infection. This is the last dose and I can't wait to see if I will feel better. My doctor doesn't usually prescribe this for me but I seem to have recurring urinary infections. I have many of the same symptoms described above, except no severe reactions like hives, etc.

I am scared to death now. I have been very ill for quite some time. I have had so many illnesses and I have anklosing spondlitis and my back is a nightmare. Last spring it all started with a severe infection of my urinary tract. I took the leavaquin and I almost died. My fever went to 104. I was severely dehydrated and they could not get my fever down. It was terrible.

It took 6 months to get rid of an infection and 6 antibiotics. I took the Cipro, the leavaquin and some others. I have been very sick since then with all sorts of problems. I had to have my galll bladder removed. It was completely full of
stones. They found a tumor on my liver and they did a biopsy and it was not cancer but they have no idea what caused it.

I have been so sick that I have almost died and wanted to and now again I am on cipro and I am worried sick that this will end up killing me but I had no idea about this until I saw this. I don't know what to do now.

Be careful with cipro....took for urinary infection and almost died with heart attack, nervousness, palpitations and sure could not rest let alone sleep.

Jar,

When did your palpitations start and have they since gone? I too took cipro and have had palpitations!

Cipro, I had taken it about a year and seven months ago, since then I have multiple tears in my shoulder, heart palpitations, suffered sudden cardiac death, joint pain, tendonitis, blurred vision, depression, etc. First symptoms started about a week after taking two 500mg tablets a day for one week, tendinitis- sudden cardiac death about 9 months later according to my heart doctor my age at the time 36 and being a weightlifter I was able to start my heart back after I fainted. Other diagnosis I have been told are left bundle branch blockage, prolongation of the qt interval, palpitations, angina, dyshpia, syncope, blurred vision and so on.

I was in perfect health before cipro, hardly ever got sick, exercised daily, loved to go out with friends etc. Now I hate to get up everyday and deal with the pain.....

I just finished taking cipro today after 7 days. Last night I had the worst panic attack I've ever had. My whole body was restless, my calves feel terribly tight and I have shortness of breath. Will the anxiety and panic attacks which I've never had before go away now that I've stopped?

I took 1 months course of cipro 500mg 2 x day back in July 07 and within a week got anxiety insomnia, a feeling of unreality 24/7 and foreboding and uneasy feelings, amongst other things. I went back to the Dr and he persuaded me to finish the course. Like a fool I did.

2 1/2 years later I still have all the above and can't work, oh I also had strange yellow bruises come up and loss of appetite and sensitivity to sunlight, these went after stopping this poison. My anxiety has also reduced.

But the worst thing is this feeling as though I'm not here making my surroundings seem unreal and detached.

Dudley

I started taking Ciprofloxacn Feb.25 2010 2x a day. Well I feel dizzy and anxious/depressed. I hope pain in my lower ab will feel better soon??? Today is Feb 28th,2010.

Marlene

Cipro almost killed me. Over 2 years since a 10 day course and I"m still not right . Ear-ringing, sound sensitivity, insomnia, deep depression, among other things.... its been a nightmare. Don't take this drug unless your dieing and nothing else seems to work . ~Dunecat~

The feeling you describe should fade away in time. I had a similar situation from a different medication and in time it went away. Take care and stay positive. God bless.

I have had this 24/7 for over 2 1/2 years. How long did you have yours for and how long have you heard of symptoms like mine lasting for?

I could do with some hope,

Dudley

I took cipro 500mg back in August of 2008 for a UTI and had the absolute worst anxiety I have ever experienced. I eventually wound up in the ER. I have to be on xanax 24/7 since. I have tried to cut back and the symptoms return. Absolute hell I have been through the past two years. I couldn't believe an antiboitic could do this until I started doing research. I pray to god that someday I will be normal again.

WOW! I am on day 5 of Cipro and started to get a panic attack last night (hubby helped me out of it). I decided to do some research online this morning and found the anxiety/Cipro connection! I am definitely affected...

You see, last summer my Dr gave me Cipro for bronchitis. Well, weeks later I suffered with palpitations, anxiety, ear ringing, tons of problems. I never made the connection until I read all of your comments above. I spent weeks at several doctors (ENT, cardiologist, psychatrist, etc), and was told I was having "Basilar Migarines" or "panic attacks", HOWEVER I really think it was the Cipro.

I took Cipro about 18 years ago as a precaution against possible infection after minor surgery. (I had no infection before taking Cipro.) I took one tablet and within a few hours I developed severe nausea and diarrhea. I had to get suppositories to stop the nausea as I couldn't take anything by mouth. Never again will I take this antibiotic.

I have taken Cipro before without side effect. However, this time I am experiencing a spasm of the tendons in my left foot. It began after the second day of this treatment. I woke up twice because the spasms in my foot were so severe.

took Cipro last April (2009) for UTI, went through 6 months of hell, from neuropathy, body aches, weakness in arms and legs, rash-you name it, to this day still experience flare-ups when take vitamins or supplements. know your body and speak up for yourself!!!

I started Cipro last night. Took my second pill this morning before work. By the time I got to work I was anxious, sad, and just felt like crying. For no reason. It was so awful, and I really wanted to leave work, but didn't. This lasted for 3 hours. After that, I felt fine. I am not going through that again! No more Cipro for me.

I was on a Cipro drip in hospital for about ten days. Toward the end of that period I started experiencing mild but illogical anxiety, which became worse as time progressed. To the extent that I sometimes could not function normally. e.g. climbing a steep hillside with friends, I was unable to proceed because of anxiety of falling off the hill. No one else in the group was concerned about the steepness of the hill. On a commercial flight I became so convinced that the plane was behaving unusually that at the first refueling stop I got off and refused to re-board. The effects are still evident ten years later.

I'm horrified to hear about the side-effects of taking Cirpo!

I only took one pill on Monday, and on Tuesday I woke up with severe abdomen soreness/pains/tenderness...chills...barely able to sit-up...vomiting...headaches...cloudy thinking. As a result, I couldn't go to work.

The pains continued on Wednesday, but I had to go to work. It's now newly Thursday morning (12:24 AM), and the aches continue.

What kind of 'medicine' is this that even 'one pill' can bring about such side-effects? I read online that many people wind up in the emergency room after taking just one Cipro!!

I was put on a week's worth of Cipro for bronchitis I couldn't get rid of... a couple days into it I started having a pounding racing heart, depression, sadness and anxiety attacks. I finished it and it did help me get well with my respiratory but am still suffering from the anxiety attacks and heart racing. I am wondering how long these side effects will last. I have been off the Cipro for 4 days now. Has anyone else had these affects and how long did they last?

I'm a 33 year old male and I've been on Cipro 500mg for five days now (2 pills a day) and I've noticed the following side effects:
stomach cramps and bloatiness, gas (that is difficult to expel), a bit of constipation, drowsiness (yet it also gives me insomnia/sleeplessness every night since I began taking it), dizziness, a feeling of being constantly out of it, depression, hopelessness, anxiety, a bit of nausea (but no vomiting).

I'm supposed to take it for two more days but I think that I am only going to take it tomorrow then I'm done with it because I no longer want to deal with the side effects.

Varrioso=me. Literally my symptoms.

Wow. Reading all this is pretty depressing. I've just taken Cifran (Cipro) for 8 days for very very mild typhoid and I had to stop because it's given me chronic insomnia and anxiety. I knew this was a possibility so I waited until things were calm in my life to take it for 10 days. But then I get offered a job interview right in the middle of taking it. I've stopped now but the interview is tomorrow and these last 5 day where I could have preparing properly, I've been anxious and unable to sleep.

Plus experiencing real problematic "depersonisation". Here I am with a job interview to go to tomorrow, unprepared and it still hasn't "sunk in" that I'm going to walk into a room of strangers and make a fool of myself. I'm suspecting from the comments that this medication has something to do with this sudden onset of anxiety, depression and hopelessness??

I'd taken it before but because I've always had depression and anxiety (from stopping anti-depressants after 6 years- another nightmare, nerve damaging drug)- I don't know what's the Cypro and what's my regular depression. Plus I'm not working, live in a different country from my family (who I don't even talk to) and have an unstable housing situation. So all of this doesn't help.

I've never had any problems with ruptured tendons or anything and this is my 3rd time taking a course of Cipro for typhoid. All this is news for me. I'm scared for the people taking these drugs. My dad is in his late 60s and lives in a place where it's easy to get typhoid and I hope he never has to take these.

I was put on Cipro about a week and a half ago for a kidney infection. I read about it before I started it and didn't like what I saw. I contacted my Dr and was assured id be ok, so I took it. Guess what, my worries were right.

I had pain in my hips, legs and arms. I also had a lot of nausea and headaches. I also had the feeling of being really out of it. After just 2 doses I stopped it and went back to the Dr. I was told that for my infection, I needed to continue the Cipro so basically suck it up and finish it. I then decided to hold off and go to another Dr where I was told pretty much the same. No one was even willing to try something else.

So a couple days later I went ahead and started taking the Cipro again. I almost immediately had the same issues once again. I also had a bad migraine for 2 days til I went to the ER. The Dr did a urine test and said with just the 4 pills id taken off and on, my infection was gone and I could stop taking the Cipro, which I had planned on doing.

However I still had the pain of the infection and don't feel as though its gone. The Dr said it was muscle spasms and prescribed my muscle relaxers, Skelaxin. I honestly don't believe that's the problem. Does a urine test show actual results while on the Cipro? I'm 24 yrs old and am worried the infection is not gone and may get worse. I don't know what to do. I just can't believe 3 Drs and not a one of them would change my antibiotic, I mean it's my kidney for hells sake! Any advice would help. Thank you!

Are you still having symptoms?

Took Cipro in Feb. never had problems with it before. Now I am having something. I guess it is anxiety. Not real sure, I keep feeling like I can't breath well at times and my chest and throat feel strange. Can't drink coffee anymore because it seems to be worse when I do. Not sure if I should see a doctor since they are the ones who prescribe the medicine in the first place. Just keep thinking it will just go away, and saying lots of prayers.

I recently was given this (500MG twice a day) for a UTI. The side effects I had were stomach cramps and bloatiness and gas (and although this is TMI I know, it wasn't easily expelled but seemed to just linger in my bowels.) My lower stomach felt so tight with air I was miserable. It was like there was a huge air bubble in me. Each time I took the meds an hour or two later I would bloat up again. It was painful and tight and made my stomach feel constantly full and I couldn't wear my jeans. I had no issues with feeling out of it or having muscle aches or pains. After taking for 5 days I had to stop.

I was prescribed ciproflaxacin 7 days ago (10 day prescription) for diverticulitis. Cramping has subsided and I seem to be doing ok. Feeling pretty good. Wondering how bad it would be to have a glass of wine, but not finding much information related to interaction with alcohol. Anybody have any experience or knowledge on the subject?

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: A STUDY BACK IN 1999 FOUND THAT CIPROFLOXACIN REALLY SLOWS DOWN THE RATE AT WHICH THE BODY GETS RID OF ALCOHOL. THAT SUGGESTS YOU WOULD BE WISE TO DRINK MUCH LESS THAN USUAL, WHATEVER "USUAL" IS FOR YOU: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1727415/

When something makes me ill, I contact physician and STOP IT! Your body is telling you something -- listen to it!

I am presently taking it without side effects, but I do take it on a full stomach. If and when I experience side effects, it is history.

I am not a physician, but have many years of experience with drugs. When I had kidney problems in the past, the doctors used Sulfa as an antibiotic. It worked fine with no side effects. You have to be sure you are not allergic to it.

Through the years I have stopped many drugs that either didn't work or made me feel worse. Your own body has to be what helps you. I am still learning.

Cipro is my hell after only 1 dose. I have severe panic before the meds were started for a UTI and now its so much worse!!! I was already the Queen of Panic. It also made me fall asleep and Id not even know I was, I would just slump over asleep doing whatever I was doing at the time. I have cramps too. I am not taking anymore and its been 2 days almost and I only took 1!!! I plan to return to the ER tonight when a very good DR is on duty that I have seen many times over the years.

I wouldn't take this med again if I was dying. It is very sad. I weigh 105 and was given 500 mg 2 x a day and I read where grown men and body builders were given the same dosage and had probs, seems they would consider your size when prescribing this drug. I have a pill phobia to start with and with good reason, especially now. I hope you're doing better now. Pls feel free to e mail me.

Karen L.

I had severe dental pain after two extractions and thought I might have an infection. I couldn't get an appointment with my doctor quickly enough so I found some ciproflaxacino in our medical kit and took two 12 hours apart. I returned from an evening out when I drank orange juice and a couple of glasses of wine and on return experienced dreadful heartburn, so stayed sitting up. At 4.30 a.m.

I vomited for an hour and had a dreadful headache which really frightened me, so much that I woke my husband and he gave me a dissolved paracetamol. I continued to sit up and half an hour later I vomited again and again. I realise that I was prescribed the cipro originally for a UTI and obviously it made me nauseous which is why it was discontinued.

What worries me is that I have been taking medication for muscle cramps for some time now and had never associated it with the cipro until now. I also had not realised that cipro is not good with alcohol or orange juice.

I've recently taken this medication for a possible infection.
About 5-6 days after completion of treatment, I started to develop hives (very hot to the touch), and sporadic fever. I did not feel good! I ended up in the ER and they couldn't find anything wrong, but they did mention I had elevated liver enzymes. I think this medication may have damaged my liver and I still have hives off an on, but not in the extreme it once was (my lips ballooned so HUMONGOUS, I was afraid to leave the house and would put angelina jolie and anyone else with bulbous lips to shame); only a few hives develop now around my elbows (even after a month since last dosage!!!) instead of before where it was all over my body!

So, I'm thinking my liver was in bad shape during all of this and I'm just trying to recoup at home taking some milk thistle and will purchase another supplement that is known to help organ damage.

The doctors had no clue where to go next or what was/is the matter! Never had an allergic reaction in my life or hives!

Thanks for listening.

It says on the meds not to take any alcohol with this medication or within three days of the last dose.

I am a 42 year old female who has been given cipro throughout the years for bladder infections. My first round of it was in college in the pre-med program. Without realizing that my symptoms at the time were medication induced, I went into serious 24/7 anxiety! I could not think straight and felt completely detached from my body. I wound up having to drop out of this program (only lacking 2 classes meeting all requirements). I was barely able to function (mentally) for 8 months or more. I thought my problem was something "genetic" and tried to move on with my life. After a year or so, I was back to normal.

I took this medication again when I was around 25 or so--again for a bladder infection. Still, without realizing that my symptoms were medication induced, I started experiencing SERIOUS anxiety and was unable to function--again. I remember calling my doctor and wondering if the problem was due to the bladder infection. He assured me it was not, but no one even suggested that it could be medication induced. I questioned the pharmacist about it and he was very adamant that it was not the medicine. (This was back around 1995 or so). I was in another college medical program- and again had to drop it. It took months, again, for me to recover from this.

Then, after years of NO SYMPTOMS WHATSOEVER, I was placed on cipro again at the age of 37 or so. Again, for a bladder infection. I took the 3 day dose and immediately started having panic attacks and a constant unrelenting feeling of anxiety. The first round of medication did not clear up the infection, so the doctor gave me another 3 day round of it (at a very high dose). This completely put me over the edge. I was visiting my mother with my 2 year old (thank goodness, because I completely lost it and would not be able to mother my child during this time). Because of being on such a high dose, I was experience more symptoms that I had not experienced before. My legs were trembling uncontrollably at my mother's house---I mean harsh jerking movements. This went on for hours. My heart was palpitating to the point of ridiculousness and racing a mile a minute, I COULD NOT THINK CLEARLY!!!!!!! I COMPLETELY LOST IT! My shoulders were spasming out of control and I was have chills from head to toe. I was so miserable, I really just felt like I was going to die. The anxiety was bad beyond belief! There was NO relief!! I was completely disconnected mentally from my body and was begging everyone to help me!!!

I got put on xanax and this really really helped my symptoms considerably. Another doctor put me on celexa for the anxiety and eventually after about 8 months again, I was back to normal. The symptoms from this medication were absolutely horrific--and that is putting it mildly. I would look at myself in the mirror and feel like I was looking at someone else--that is how disconnected from my body that I was. IT WAS ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE BEYOND WORDS.

It was after the last incident of cipro that it hit me for the first time that all of these problems I had dealt with were BECAUSE OF CIPRO. Every incident was preceded with a dose of cipro. I was too trusting of the medical community and believed them when they told me that "NO - my problems were NOT related to the bladder infection or cipro IN ANY WAY.

I feel that CIPRO has completely ruined my life. I am now a struggling school teacher (with very little pay, tons of stress and miserable with my job) as I was forced to quit TWO medical programs due to this medication!!!! Not one pharmacist or doctor even hinted that his medication could do this to a person. If anyone had just told me that it could be have been the medication, taken me off of it and switched me to another antibiotic, it could have saved my life.

I had to figure it out on my own, after 3 terrible and horrific experiences with this medication. I am 42 now and avoid cipro like the plague. I have NO SYMPTOMS NOW and hopefully never will ever again, as I now know to avoid cipro and anything similar to it!! HOPE THIS HELPS SOMEONE!! I'm sure there are other people like me, who have had this problem, and still have not made the connect of their symptoms being caused by cipro!

I was prescribed Cipro two week ago. I inadvertently took two on the 2nd day. I started itching uncontrollably. I have had terrible pain in my liver and stomach since. I only took the cipro for 3 days. The abdominal pain continues, and my eyes are now yellow. Is there any ting I can do to flush this toxin from my system??

People's Pharmacy response: You should be in touch with your doctor right away.

@KJernigan, I too suffered *exactly* the same symptoms as you. Extreme anxiety, severe tremors/trembling, constant, horrible thoughts and - most horrible of all - insane akathisia which nearly led me to commit suicide. Also had difficulties swallowing/breathing, and could not eat properly for over a fortnight since quitting them (I'm better now but still not right yet).

Before I started Cipro, I was on NOTHING, no medication whatsoever, now I'm on antidepressants AND anti-anxiety pills and am still feeling nervous/shaky. I feel like I've been changed permanently by Cipro, for the worse, lost all my confidence and just hope I get my mind fully back.

Never again. :(

I took this medication starting 10/29/11. I did not finish the medications but took them for at least 6 or 7 days of my 10 day suppl. I take a lot of multivitamins and supplements and you cannot mix multivitamins with this medication. I kept forgetting to take my multivitamins so I stopped taking it as I need the vitamins more than I do the drug. Prior to taking the medication my doctor did blood work which included my liver enzymes and everything was fine.

On 11/14/11 I had blood work for my liver enzymes and the doctor stated they are highly elevated. I have to have the bloodwork again in 3 weeks, if the liver enzymes are still high I will have to go to see a specialist. Be very careful with this drug and your liver. I am really annoyed with this situation as I have told my doctor time and time again I do not want medications that harm my liver or kidneys. I cannot believe such a drastic change took place in such a short time. I will let you know what happens when I go for my next bloodwork.

I an not generally effected by medicines. But at 70 years old and 100 pounds overweight times have changed. The first time I got lower abdominal pain from what was later identified as diverticulitis, I was given Tetracycline and was cured of the pain. Other bowel problems I found was a wheat allergy and learned to watch my diet.

Some 15 or so years ago my nurse practitioner prescribed Metronidazole on a few occasions which worked fine. A couple of years ago my new nurse practitioner prescribed Metronidazole 3 times a day and Ciprofloxacin twice a day. As usual the Metronidazole went down okay but a few hours later when I took the Ciprofloxacin I got very nauseated and weak.

I continued taking the Metronidazole and discontinued the Ciprofloxacin (and unfortunately forgot about the incident and the medicine). A few weeks ago when the Nurse Practitioner again prescribed the same two medicines I had forgotten my bad experience with Ciprofloxacin. This time when I took it I clearly noted feeling like my brain and life were slipping away. My lungs felt weak like my chest was being pulled in. My heart felt like it was losing the strength to beat.

As I complained to my wife she reminded me that I had trouble last time I took Ciprofloxacin and pointed to my last bottle missing only one pill sitting high on the cabinet shelf. After finishing the Metronidazole and still having pain I went back to the clinic for a blood test and stool test for blood. Both test came back okay. When the phone call came and wife received the message they also recommended I finish taking the Cipro until it is gone.

I will now remember that there is one medicine I am sensitive to. I will now refuse to ever take Cipro again. I am back on a brief yogurt and potato diet while I contemplate next move.

I have read articles on obesity and that a high percentage of overweight people have Fatty Livers. That fatty liver can be as bad as alcoholic cirrhosis of liver. I will eventually have my liver tested before taking any medicines that are new to me.

I saw my MD on the 22nd for refills. But while there told my physician that my sinus's were very sensitive. Ended up having x-rays of my sinuses and was informed I had a sinus infection. Given a prescription for cipro (generic). 4 days later my mitral valve prolapse started bothering me. Then would have times I felt ok. Then my heart would start beating heavier for extended periods, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath.

Not normal having such long periods of my mvp just didn't feel right. Heavy pounding in my ears more noticeable at bed time. A couple of times thought I might be having a heart attack. Started not sleeping good waking up & not able to go back to sleep for hrs. Saw my physician 5 days after symptoms started. Was more anxious, experienced headaches off & on. My physician just said it was my mitral valve & stress. Gave me my script for generic clonopin (only taken low dose at bedtime). Said I would be ok.

The day I saw him felt like I was trembling & my mind was not clear. After reading all these comments I feel that there is a high possibility that it is the cipro. Explains a lot of my usual feelings. Also, makers of cipro recommend be cautious giving it to people over 60 & I am 68. Will not take it ever again!

I've been on this medication for 10 days now. I noticed a couple days ago my legs were so sore as if I had worked out and it was so painful to bend them or sit down. I also have had arm, back, and jaw pain and it feels like my back is burning at times. I've taken cipro before but this time I am feeling all of these side effects and getting crazy anxiety and shortness of breath!

I am supposed to take one tonight but I am stopping it. It wasn't until I came online searching for an answer as to why my muscles were so sore and my arms were hurting I thought I was having a heart attack with the pain in my arm and jaw accompanied by the shortness of breath. I will NEVER take cipro again. Has any had a problem like this?

I read a lot about anxiety and nausea but not too many stories of sore muscles and aching joints so I am a little concerned. I am going to my PCP tomorrow to make sure everything is okay. This medication gives you every side effect in the books I'd rather deal with the pain than take this again! I hope I feel normal again.

I took cipro September 2011. At fist I felt ok except for stomach cramping and bloating. Few days later experienced my feet getting cold. Later started get anxiety and pains and weakness in my legs and left arm. Month later I started expressing loss of appetite and insomnia. The insomnia was really bad only was getting 2 hours of sleep.

Went to the Doctors numerous times ran EKG and did a heart stress test. They did blood work and everything back fine. I'm still having anxiety and depression issues since cipro. My legs feel weak and arms too. Before the medication I was working out 5 times a week and ran long distance. Now my whole body hurts and tired all the time.

I asked a few doctors if cipro could of done this and they say no. After reading this and other sites I now know it was cipro. I just hope and pray to God I get better and that it didn't do any damage to my organs. I would greatly appreciate advice on how to cope with this or what can help me get getter. Thanks

I took one tablet of Cipro this morning, the first. Within a short time I developed a vision problem in both eyes. Cannot focus near or far. It is now 12 hours since the taking of this medication and I fear taking another before bed. I am to take 2 500mg per day for a bladder infection.

Am very concerned as one possible side effect can supposedly be permanent vision loss. I phoned the doctor and asked about this and he said it won't affect vision. I don't believe this.

People's Pharmacy response: According to the prescribing information, Cipro can cause " blurred vision, disturbed vision (change in color perception, overbrightness of lights), decreased visual acuity, diplopia, eye pain." We hope that you and your doctor have found a different antibiotic to treat your infection.

Hello everyone. I hope you guys end up feeling better. Tomorrow will be my third day taking Cipro for diarrhea infection. I'm a person who listens to my intuition, I WILL NOT BE TAKING THIS DRUG TOMORROW! My body does not feel right at all, and this is coming from a 26 y/o healthy male. God bless to all of you who are still taking the drug, as well as the ones who are not taking it but still have side effects.

People's Pharmacy response: Antibiotics are usually prescribed for an infection and stopping before the infection is cured may lead to resistant bacteria. Please be sure to discuss your concerns with your physician, so your infection doesn't rage out of control.

I finished a 7 day course of 500mg of Cipro 2x/day this morning (for a routine UTI). On the fourth day, I had a large painful hard bump which changed into a dark purplish blister appear on my left big toe, and by the next day, had a second one on the toe next to it. On day five or six, I had two smaller blisters appear on my second toe of my right foot. Within a day, the blisters have been turning dark pinkish/purple.

Saw the doc today, and she said it could be a focal eruption caused by the drug, a photosensitivity reaction, or just coincidental. I'm now VERY worried, as I am a runner and although my doc says I will not suffer any muscle or tendon damage in the future from this, the warnings on the drug and the site make it clear that it is possible. Who knows about this enough to help me recover from the current damage and prevent any future damage?

The literature says to tell your doc if you have regular physical activity. I did, but my doc was not concerned. I run very long distances at times, and also love to do ten minutes of sprints (which I did on day three, resulting in hip flexor area pain in my right side for two days - something I've never had before). Needless to say, I'll be laying off the heavy activity until I hear something from a knowledgeable doctor!

I just started taking Cipro on Monday for a UTI. About a week before I was prescribed Septra, and after I finished that dosage, my symptoms came back instantly. So my doctor gave me these antibiotics. Reading all these have freaked me out. But after I take a pill, my face feels kind of tinglyish and weird, its hard to describe. But that feeling goes away after a few minutes so I'm not sure if that is anything serious. And right now I'm experiencing a weird pain in my forearm that comes and goes and makes my hand and fingers feel weak. But this also comes and goes so I don't know if the medicine is the cause or my arms is just being weird. Totally worried now, hopefully I won't get a anxiety attack from reading all this.